Tuesday 24 August 2010 04.56 EDT
First published on Tuesday 24 August 2010 04.56 EDT

Audley Harrison has urged David Haye to 'man up' and sign a contract to face him in an all-British world heavyweight title fight in November.

Harrison, who won an Olympic gold medal in 2000, has emerged as a surprise contender with the WBA champion Haye unable to agree a unification bout with either of the Klitschko brothers.

The former European champion's promoters yesterday claimed a deal has been agreed for the pair to fight at the MEN Arena in Manchester on 13 November, although contracts have not yet been signed.

Harrison, who put himself in the frame by winning the European title earlier this year, said to Haye: "I'm about as bored as every other fight fan about hearing why you won't accept fights. What are we in this game for?

"I say to try and win titles and create a legacy but if it's money you want then outside of the Klitschko fight I'm the only guy that makes you money. I am accepting the terms you have offered me and now we will see what you are made of."

Harrison urged Haye to "man up and get this fight signed", adding: "So bring on the Battle of Britain and I will be the Hayebreaker come 13 November."

Harrison's promoter Eddie Hearn added: "The hard work is done and now it's up to Haye and [manager Adam] Booth.

"We are at the end of the line now, everything is in place and now it's up to them. This is a £10m fight and the biggest the country has ever seen, but more than that it's personal between them – there will be no love lost in the ring if we get this signed."

When Haye was unable to agree a deal with WBO/IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko or WBC holder Vitali, Harrison and the Polish contender Tomasz Adamek became the likeliest alternatives.

While a fight with Harrison would make less global impact, it would create huge interest in Britain despite Harrison's questionable credentials.